Prevent Frost Footing Heaving
In frost heave conditions, a steady source of water to the earth below the foundation is subject to freezing temperatures, and ice lenses (ice wedges) are able to form and grow, thus pushing the foundation up and out of the ground. The severity of this effect is determined by the ability of the soil to retain moisture and the climate. In certain conditions, this force is strong enough to lift the foundations of a deck causing the deck to separate from the house.
Even if the results are not this catastrophic, the prolonged effect of this rise and fall of the deck will take its toll by weakening the structure and creating an uneven surface. Because of this, you need to install the foundation for your deck at a suitable depth below the frost line.
Frost jacking is a similar phenomenon that can also act to lift frost footings. Frost jacking occurs when the upper part of the buried pier is grabbed by frozen soil and pushed upwards. Adding a flared base to the footing will help hold it in place. The colder the temperatures in your region, the deeper you will have to dig. You can find your local footing depth requirement by asking your local building inspections department.
Cutting a Concrete Pad
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
Do I need to use rebar?
Our inspector discusses using steel rebar for deck footings.
Soil Conditions
Learn how soil conditions can affect the size of your deck footings. Do you have gravel, sand or clay soil?
How to Decorate Deck Support Columns
Browse some examples of decorative deck support posts for tall decks.
Beam Span Chart
Learn how to size your deck beam using this easy-to-use span table. Just cross-reference the post spacing and joist length to determine the beam size.
How to Splice a Deck Beam Over a Support Post
Follow our step by step tutorial for splicing a deck beam over a support post. Never split a beam in the center of a span.
Explore Articles by Topic

Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing
Learn structural framing methods

Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials

Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs

Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design
The basics of deck design

Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
Proper attachment techniques

Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Prevent Frost Footing Heaving
In frost heave conditions, a steady source of water to the earth below the foundation is subject to freezing temperatures, and ice lenses (ice wedges) are able to form and grow, thus pushing the foundation up and out of the ground. The severity of this effect is determined by the ability of the soil to retain moisture and the climate. In certain conditions, this force is strong enough to lift the foundations of a deck causing the deck to separate from the house.
Even if the results are not this catastrophic, the prolonged effect of this rise and fall of the deck will take its toll by weakening the structure and creating an uneven surface. Because of this, you need to install the foundation for your deck at a suitable depth below the frost line.
Frost jacking is a similar phenomenon that can also act to lift frost footings. Frost jacking occurs when the upper part of the buried pier is grabbed by frozen soil and pushed upwards. Adding a flared base to the footing will help hold it in place. The colder the temperatures in your region, the deeper you will have to dig. You can find your local footing depth requirement by asking your local building inspections department.
Cutting a Concrete Pad
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
Footing Size
Learn how large to make your deck footings. Use our table for maximum allowable loads to determine the proper size for your soil type.
Working With Concrete
Learn tips from the pros on how to mix and pour concrete for deck footings.
How to Decorate Deck Support Columns
Browse some examples of decorative deck support posts for tall decks.
How To Build a Hexagon Deck
Learn some tips on how to build a six-sided hexagon-shaped deck.
How to Install Flush Deck Headers & Beams
Flush beams are a great solution when space and clearance may be limited. Learn how to install deck headers and flush beams at Decks.com.
Explore Articles by Topic

Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing
Learn structural framing methods

Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials

Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs

Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design
The basics of deck design

Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
Proper attachment techniques

Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights